New year, new adventure

Ranging in age from 19 to 36, eight men and eight women bring various experience to policing, including from retail and customer service, fitness industry, and trades.

Prior to joining SAPOL, Rubie was living interstate in Mildura and working as a kindergarten educator and casual disability support worker.

She has played netball since age six and will continue to play competitively while working as a police officer.

“I believe that working in these sectors has helped me understand people from all walks of life,” she said.

“Playing netball has taught me how to be a team player and has provided me guidance in leadership while being at the academy.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see myself where I am today, but thanks to the academy dreams do come true.”

Similarly, graduate Madison has dreamt of becoming a police officer since age 10 and feels her previous work experience has also prepared her for policing.

She is following in her father’s footsteps, has other friends in the job, and plans to encourage more women to join SAPOL.

“I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Behavioural Science Psychology at Flinders University which I started in 2021, while also working as a retail assistant,” she said.

“I also played football (AFL) for my local Port Noarlunga Football Club for the A Grade Women and was part of the leadership team there.

“I believe my past experiences have assisted me throughout my training and as a police officer, my retail background will help me to create conversations with a range of people and I have a better understanding of different behaviours and attitudes in which people demonstrate through my degree.”

Fellow Course 76 member Rachael worked as a Police Security Officer (PSO) before pursuing a police officer career, while also juggling being a parent.

She also has prior experience working as a volunteer ambulance officer for SA Ambulance Service (SAAS).

“This gave me exposure to emergency situations and the different types of jobs police attend,” she said.

“Initially I thought study and being a parent would be difficult to juggle, however, with good time management skills I have proven that I can do both.

“I’m looking forward to working in a heavily populated metropolitan area to gain more experience with different types of taskings and to interact with people of diverse cultures and backgrounds within the community.”

All three graduates claim job variety, security, and career progression opportunities inspired them to join the blue family.

Rubie hopes to one day work in SAPOL’s family and domestic violence section, while Madison’s long-term ambitions are to join the Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), becoming a detective in the Major Crime Investigation Branch or working as a police dog handler. Meanwhile, Rachael is interested in joining SAPOL’s Serious and Organised Crime Branch.

Course 76 members will be stationed to metropolitan and regional postings, including Port Lincoln, Port Augusta, Whyalla, Berri, and Murray Bridge.

SAPOL is currently recruiting and is keen to hear from people interested in an inspiring career with unmatched experiences and rewards.

If you're looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore - Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)

Madison, Rubie, and Rachael are among 16 Course 76 members to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.